Calling settlers ‘extremists’, AJC says five killed in a week, including two in Abu Faleh village attack
Mourners react during the funeral of three Palestinians who were killed in an Israeli settler attack, in the village of Abu Falah near Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, March 8, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has strongly condemned the reported attack on the Palestinian village of Abu Faleh by Israeli extremists, which left at least two people dead and comes amid a troubling wave of violence that has reportedly killed five people in the past week.
“All such incidents must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible held accountable under the law,” the organisation said in a post on X, adding that Israeli leaders “should denounce these attacks and take steps to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all civilians.”
We strongly condemn the reported attack on the Palestinian village of Abu Faleh by Israeli extremists which left at least two people dead and comes amid a troubling wave of violence that has reportedly killed five people in the past week.
All such incidents must be thoroughly…
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) March 8, 2026
Fatal attacks on Palestinians from West Bank settlers increased recently. On Sunday, two Palestinians were killed after armed Israeli settlers attacked the village of Abu Falah in the occupied West Bank. Witnesses said the settlers attacked under the protection of Israeli forces, according to Al Jazeera.
Two Palestinians were shot dead during a settlers’ attack on the village of Abu Falah in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said.
The victims were identified as 24-year-old Thaer Hamayel and 57-year-old Farea Hamayel, both of whom were shot in the head.
According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, the settlers’ assault was followed by an Israeli military raid on the village.
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During the raid, Israeli forces fired tear gas to disperse residents who confronted the settlers. Mohammed Murra, 55, later died in hospital from cardiac arrest after inhaling the tear gas.
Five other Palestinians sustained live-fire injuries, including three who were shot in the head, one in the pelvis and another in the shoulder, with the bullet exiting through the neck.
Since the start of the Israeli-American war on Iran at the end of February, five Palestinians have been killed in settlers’ attacks in the West Bank, while three others have been killed by Israeli forces.
The Palestinian Authority warned on Sunday that Israeli authorities were exploiting regional tensions with Iran and growing international distraction to escalate violations against Palestinians in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, Wafa reported.
